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Your Guide to Record Store Day 2018 in Seattle

04/18/2018

Dusty Henry

Photo by Caroline Anne

It’s that time of year again. This Saturday, April 21, record collectors across the globe will be lining around the blocks of to support their favorite shops and for a chance to land some super rare wax for Record Store Day. This year’s list contains over 400 exclusive titles, first time pressings, limited run LPs and singles with everything from Johnny Cash and Miles Davis to Lil Uzi Vert and Mac Demarco. Seattleites find themselves in a prime location to fully take advantage of the vinyl holiday. Record stores across the city are not only carrying RSD releases, but also offering other deals, in-store performances, and even donuts. Start planning your record hunt with this breakdown of events happening around town for RSD 2018.

A forever local favorite, Easy Street Records always pulls out the stops for Record Store Day. As per tradition, get their early when the shop opens at 7 a.m. for free bacon and Cafe Vita coffee – you’ll need the caffeine and food to get you through the day. Later in the day they’ll host performances from locals Noah Gundersen at 5 p.m. (supporting his own RSD release, Selections from White Noise Live From KEXP 90.3 FM) and country act Hyways at 7 p.m.

Located right in the KEXP Gathering Space, Light in the Attic is always stocked with an array of expertly curated new releases and rarities. The shop will open two hours earlier than usual at 8 a.m. and will have 120 RSD titles in their bins. Stick around for a performance from Evening Bell’s Caitlin Sherman at noon.

Capitol Hill's Everyday Music comes through with not just loads of vinyl, but also with the most robust lineup of in-stores you'll find anywhere in town on Saturday. They'll have music going all day from local artists ranging from the UK-tinged electronic sounds of FKL and Raica to the rambunctious energy of Naked Giants and Tomten. Check out the full line-up below:

Whether you hit up the SoDo, Lynwood, or Bellevue locations, expect to get a 10 percent discount on all used vinyl purchased from any Silver Platters after 2 p.m. If you’re keen to stay within the Seattle city limits, the SoDo location will also be featuring two in-store performances, first from the Paul Boggs Band at noon and then with Wycleaf Jean of the Fugees at 2 p.m.

Not super worried about snagging any RSD releases but still want to get some record shopping done? Georgetown Records might be your best bet! While they won’t have any exclusives in their record bins, DJs Jody McKane and Jo Smitty will be soundtracking your shopping all afternoon. Later that evening, Seattle psych-rock act Sky Cries Mary will perform in the store at 7 p.m.

If it’s donuts you’re after, Sonic Boom Records in Ballard is your place. Show up early and the staff will treat you to some delicious treats courtesy of Top Pot Donuts. The store will be fully stocked with RSD vinyl and will be holding giveaways for Sasquatch! Music Festival passes and a Bob Marley turntable.

If you’re an early riser, Spin Cycle on Capitol Hill will be opening their doors at 6 a.m. (don’t worry, Espresso Vivace is right now door to fuel you up). The store will also be holding an exclusive deal, offering $5 gift cards for every $50 spent. This might be your best way to not only get those exclusive titles before everyone else, but investing in your record fund after the holiday is over!

Like dance music? Wanna try being a DJ, if only just for an hour? Dance-heavy shop Looters Records will be opening up at noon and offering a 10 percent discount on all records. Email the store beforehand at info@lootersrecords.com to sign-up for an hour-long DJ shift at the store to play some of your new vinyl for an audience.

We caught up with Gundersen to learn more about his Record Store Day release, performing in the live room, and which records he's looking out for this Saturday. Oh, and there might be some mushrooms involved.